Ben Affleck to play Batman in upcoming Man of Steel sequel

Hollywood actor, Ben Affleck will play Batman in the upcoming Superman sequel that will see the two super heroes face each other for the first time on the big screen.

Award-winning Argo director, Affleck - aged 41 - was confirmed for the role by studio Warner Bros Pictures. British actor, Henry Cavill reprise his role as Superman from the 2013 film, Man of Steel.

Film maker, Zack Snyder will direct the film, which is due to hit cinema screens in 2015.

Greg Silverman, president of creative development at Warner Bros Pictures, told reporters: "We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics' most enduringly popular super heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some.

"His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character."

Snyder said: "It's beyond mythological to have superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest super heroes in the world."

Affleck now joins a long list of actors to take on the role of the Caped Crusader, including Michael Keaton, George Clooney and Christian Bale.